We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Margalena Lepore. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Margalena below.

Margalena, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

My journey of learning my craft was fairly straightforward in my early years. I began painting right before high school and immediately had a phenomenal teacher, Kay Stanley. She was integral in my knowledge and skill with color. I work with a limited palette because of her instruction and learning the skill to mix many colors with just a few. When I left for college and began to study art, my professors at LaGrange College really challenged my creativity. How could I separate myself from the world of many artists? What set me apart? Could I stretch further?

This is where, looking back now, I wish I applied myself better. I was torn in too many directions with other interests in my life, and my art took a back seat. Don’t get me wrong, I worked day and night on my pieces, but my heart was divided. I believe my creativity stalled during this time and came to a full halt shortly after graduating.

It wasn’t until an accident in my early 20s that something was born in me. A fire and a direction for my work to take on a new life. A life that told stories and offered invitations. This idea formed to focus on painting skies because of the challenge they brought (and I love a good challenge), but more so because I could speak through the moodiness and the constant change. I paint these skies because they are a very real reminder that everything that happens in life is bigger than you and me. I am walking this daily path to remember where I have been, the faithfulness of the journey, and the hope and rest I want to bring to others through paint.

When I think about the skills that are most essential, for me it was the color theory and limited options in materials. I like to keep things simple because I can create faster and clearer. More options slow us down and can cause decision fatigue. If you are starting out, don’t go buy the whole store. Pick a simple few and evaluate what works best and why. Then add or subtract from there.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

I got into this business by attending fine art festivals. I never thought I would be a professional artist. I wanted to be a professor and my art would just be something I enjoyed creating and a few would buy. But, upon the suggestion of a friend, I started applying to these shows and one thing led to another. I participated in them for a little over 10 years until I physically felt the strain of them, so now I am in a redreaming and redesigning stage of what my art business will look like. I offer original oil and watercolor&ink paintings, mostly of skies. I have replicated these originals in prints, greeting cards, and canvas prints. I also have the Always Forever Collection where I paint custom homes and bridal bouquets. I absolutely love commissions and hearing the stories as to why something is special to someone. I want connection with others first and foremost in my art.

Through the sale of my work, I am raising awareness about the water gap in the Navajo Nation. A chance friendship with a fellow artist made me aware of what was happening there, and I have been donating to Dig Deep to end the shortage and supply all the homes with running water.

The thing that I believe sets me apart is the desire for relationships with those who stop to view my work. Life is often hard and we can feel alone, but we don’t have to be. All of my pieces are meant to have the viewer stand in front of them and take a deep breath. As if they were taking in the scene firsthand. The paintings also should always draw your eye upward. I really believe that what you focus on is what you will see. Perspective is one of the first things you learn in any art class, but this is also a critical life lesson. I hope, with all my work, that someone can see hope and find rest.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect is when I see someone stand in front of one of my paintings and say, “I am there. This is my story. I can feel it.” There is nothing better.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think any time we can buy a gift or furnish our homes with pieces from artists instead of big box stores, we encourage others to continue to create. I am always honored when someone decides to purchase from me or one of my friends instead of a mass production company. Even if we purchase small pieces or prints, we have made a big difference in the life of an artist! We want to share beauty with you long after we are gone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.margalenalepore.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margalenaleporestudios
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MargalenaLeporeStudios/

Image Credits
Alex Finch Photography